Madden
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Madden keeping EA rich in '06
EA's Madden NFL 07 is the year's top money-maker, accounting for more than five millions units sold across ten platforms since its release in August. The cult of Madden would not let poor Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 showings disgrace its beloved franchise, blindly shelling out for the lackluster efforts, which failed to best the deeper (and cheaper) PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions.But Madden's success does not depend on rapidly evolving gameplay. Seventeen years in the football sim business has taught EA that to follow success's formula one must simply eliminate competition (i.e., own exclusive NFL gaming rights) and update rosters.
Wii version of Madden uses Forecast Channel? (update 1)
What started as a rumor has been confirmed to be true: Madden 07 for the Wii uses the Forecast Channel to determine weather for games. That's pretty awesome, if you ask us, as we're from Philly and are very much into sports. Adding another dynamic such as this to the experience can only improve our love for the title as it destroys ceilings and shoots off into the stratosphere.It's all pretty easy, asking that you only set the game to read from the system client and upon starting the game, you'll see your current default city's weather in-game. Cool for us, as weather in Philly ranges, but if you're in some place such as Seattle, well it could get kind of boring after you've played your 8th or so game in a row with rain. Obviously, if your team plays in a dome, this doesn't apply ...[Thanks Brandon!][Update: Looks like we were all fooled! This indeed is not the case and it turns out the person who confirmed this was just lucky the first go around and found it to not consistently work. We apologize for the error.]
Reggie sez: Online in Q2
When the big man speaks, we listen. And yes, we're referring to the deity that is Reggie Fils-Aime, standing atop his mighty pedestal after supplanting Zeus for the title. He was recently on Spike TV's GameHead, speaking rather generically about the Wii. But, as you may have guessed, there was a diamond in the rough: the news that the first multiplayer online Wii games will be announced in Q1 2007 and start shipping in Q2. Finally!We're a little disappointed that online didn't come right out of the box; God knows some games really could have benefitted: Madden 07, Call of Duty 3, and Red Steel certainly could have used the boost. Still, at least a smidgeon of online functionality is coming quite soon, with the ability to trade custom levels in Elebits via the magic of the internet intertron. That's its new name. Thus have we spoken, and thus it is so.[We don't normally steal our sister site Joystiq's pictures, but this one was just too good.]
The PS3 backwards compatibility list
Sony's PlayStation site now features a handy little Javascript program that lets you check on any compatibility issues the PS3 might have with the PlayStation catalogue. Instead of a list, however, you have to type in the games about which you are curious into the search box to find out all the glitches.We understand not making a list of every PSOne and PS2 title that has compatibility issues, but at the same time we are not sure to what extent BC problems are prevalent. We are impressed with how detailed every glitch has been chronicled, so that you know exactly how the game will screw up (major or minor) while being played on the PS3. We decided to run of a few searches ourselves: Psychonauts, unlike its Xbox counterpart, "has no major problems" with the PS3. Huzzah! The Ratchet series works fine. The Jak series is okay, except for a handful of issues with Jak X: Combat Racing. Almost surprisingly, every Madden title works well. Only Madden NFL 2007 has some issues with static IP / DHCP and online gaming. Every SOCOM title has at least one or two issues. The Final Fantasy series is a mixed bag. X, XII, and Tactics work, but Anthology, Chronicles, Origins, VIII, and IX have issues. FF VII has one graphical anomaly during one of the first battles in the game. Final Fantasy XI has problems using the PS3's HDD, but a future software update promises to fix that. Mess around the search box and let us know what else you find. Don't throw out your PS2 until you check your favorite titles first.[Via CVG]
What if: Madden's All-Nintendo team
Gridiron Junkies are playing a little make-believe, drawing up an All-Nintendo team in anticipation of Madden's Wii debut. The defense looks solid with Bowser on the line, DK rounding out the linebacker corps, and Link at strong safety. But Yoshi at QB -- can that dude even call plays? And what's this ... Toad shouldering the ground game? We're not sure mushroom-boy can take those kinda hits.The All-Nintendo roster requires some re-shuffling, but it touches on a key point: why hasn't there been a Mario (American) football game?
Madden 07 gameplay explanation video
In this video demonstration of Madden 07 for the Wii, the developers showcase some of the title's unique controls and new tutorial features. Aimed at introducing those who might not be particularly familiar with the pigskin to the sport, the video does a much better job of providing an accurate portrayal of the experience through action rather than the diagrams seen in the past.As always, the video is embedded into the post after the break.[Thanks Nmaster!]
Wii's Madden gives you the freedom to celebrate
One of the best things about the gaming community is that there's always someone around who reads things more closely than you do ... and there's always someone who picks out the fine details and airs them for the rest of us, who may be a little slow. Such was the case with 1UP's preview of Wii's Madden '07 and one eagle-eyed GAFfer who spotted this: "Of course, since celebration moves are also FreeMotion you might be inclined to get into them."The time that's been put into making the Wii version of Madden sync with the controller hasn't been lost on us -- it's suddenly become one of the most exciting titles for the system, in fact. But this, while not really important, is still ... how shall we say ... incredibly awesome. Time to start working on your touchdown dance. Just be wary of those celebration penalties. [Via NeoGAF]
EA's premium ripoff: football tutorial videos on XBLM
Electronic Arts released today a set of video strategy guides for NCAA 07 Football and Madden NFL 07 over Xbox Live. Each five-minute tutorial costs 160 MS points ($2.00) and covers either Running, Passing, Run Defense, or Pass Defense. While $2.00 is relatively cheap, a tutorial is a feature of the game that should be included when you buy it, especially at $60. On top of that, tutorials (video and otherwise) are available all over the internet for the low, low price of nil. GameFaqs has an enormous .txt strategy guide, 1UP has an in-depth guide of Madden NFL 06, and both IGN and Madden Planet have video tutorials that you can use for free. Not only that, but with these guides you can play Madden on your Xbox 360 while reading/viewing the free guides, making their application that much more pertinent. We decided to try one of the videos out, purchasing a Passing strategy guide for Madden NFL 07. The 246.34 MB downloaded provided little that would help our game. The video depicts a series of in-game passes with the occasional overhead view; once or twice arrows and yellow circles were used to highlight a player but it did not complement the announcer. To understand the voice-over commentary, it is assumed that you have a good grasp on formation and position terminology. If "using the safety to cover the back" goes over your head, this video is not for you -- then again, if you are well-versed in football slang, you will likely learn nothing new anyways.
Madden 07 preview and screenshots
For those of you living in the states, you know full well how big a deal football is. Heck, even some of you in Canada are starting to catch the fever. The rest of the world, however, have their own game of football (and we hear it's quite popular). As such, the latest repackaging installment of EA's Madden franchise is likely to only excite those from the red, white, and blue. And for those of you who enjoy spending Sundays on the couch with a bag of chips and a few beers, you might be interested in checking out IGN's preview of the game. It's chock full 'o fresh screens, along with some new information explaining why EA calls this the most "feature rich" Madden to date.
Alexander sidelined, Madden curse to blame?
With word that Madden 07 cover athlete Shaun Alexander has sustained a left foot fracture, sidelining the Seahawk star for at least two weeks, comes renewed speculation about the existence of a 'Madden curse.' Indeed, since 2000, when EA began featuring athletes on the Madden cover, a series of unfortunate events, in varying degrees, has befallen the stars who allegedly risk their careers for EA's "dirty" money. Here's a brief history of the curse: 2000 - Barry Sanders abruptly retires before training camp (was he warned of the impending curse?) 2000 - Dorsey Levens is cut by Green Bay the following season 2001 - Eddie George enjoys career year, until costly turnover leads to Titan's playoff exit 2002 - Daunte Culpepper leads team to dismal 4–7 record before season-ending knee injury 2003 - Marshall Faulk suffers ankle injury; career diminishes thereafter 2004 - Michael Vick fractures right fibula in preseason game, just one day after Madden is released; sidelined for season 2005 - Ray Lewis fails to post a single interception (after grabbing 6 the previous year), and injury forces him to miss the final game of the season; the Ravens also fail to make the playoffs after winning the division in the 2003–2004 season 2006 - Donovan McNabb suffers sports hernia in first game and undergoes season-ending surgery in November; T.O. feud escalates; Eagles finish 6–10 after reaching the Super Bowl the previous year 2007 - Shaun Alexander fractures left foot in Week 3 ... [Thanks, Shadyrudy]
FIFA 360 deserves red card, EA gyps again
It's as simple as this: FIFA 07 for Xbox 360 will include 7 professional leagues (actually, just 6, as Juventus is the only team featured from Italy Serie B) and 21 stadiums for $59.99. FIFA 07 for Xbox/PS2 will feature 28 leagues and 47 stadiums for just $39.99. Which one you buyin'? Heck, even the thrifty ($29.99) DS version's got 25 leagues packed inside that tiny cart, which begs the question: what's limiting EA's "next-gen" sports releases? Both FIFA and Madden continue to lack content and features present in the Xbox and PS2 versions. The good news is, Pro Evolution Soccer's arrival on Xbox 360 will likely encourage EA to clean up its act for the next go-around. Unfortunately, without competition, the same can't be said for Madden ... [Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
NPD releases top 20 U.S. games for August
While the DS has been killing just about everything in Japan, it doesn't appear to be as dominant according to NPD's August sales chart. And with news that the PSP's Tales of Phantasia Full Voice Edition taking the top spot in Japan, could the tide of war be changing? 1. Madden NFL 07 (PS2) 2. Madden NFL 07 (360) 3. Dead Rising (360) 4. Madden NFL 07 (Xbox) 5. Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus (PS2) 6. New Super Mario Bros. (DS) 7. NCAA Football 07 (PS2) 8. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (PS2) 9. Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (DS) 10. Ninety-Nine Nights (360) 11. NCAA Football 07 (360) 12. Naruto: Ultimate Ninja (PS2) 13. Big Brain Academy (DS) 14. Guitar Hero bundle (PS2) 15. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2) 16. Star Wars: Battlefront II (PS2) 17. Madden NFL 07 (PSP) 18. God of War (PS2) 19. Mario Kart (DS) 20. NCAA Football 07 (Xbox) (* NPD does not release sales numbers) Okay, so the PSP only has Madden in the top 20. The PSP is going to enjoy an extremely strong surge in the quality of its library in the coming months with the pending releases of Bounty Hounds, Killzone: Liberation, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Lumines II and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, just to name a few. Stand strong, my fellow fanboys because the future is bright. (Via PSP Advanced)
The buzz on Madden Wii's multiplayer
Speaking to IGN, Madden NFL 07 for Wii Producer Jason Armenise revealed the football title's two-on-two multiplayer mode. Schoolyard rules apply, including the five-Mississippi rush (also known as bananas or steamboats, apparently). Drumming the controller up and down causes the defensive end on screen to count "one Mississippi, two Mississippi, ..." -- drum faster and the count speeds up.The most intriguing addition, however, is the buzz communication system. While on the offense, players can tap the A button on their Wii remote and cause their partner's controller to vibrate accordingly -- it's up to the partners to decide ahead of time what each rumbled message means. Devious usages aside, why hasn't anyone every thought of this before? We like the idea, but fear the ramifications of confusing Morse code transmissions:"You buzzed once!""I know, dude. One buzz means go left!""No, it means I'm going run so you gotta cover me!""No, dude, that's two short buzzes, a long buzz, and another short buzz!""Aww, [buzz] off!"See Also:Wii impressions: Madden NFL 07Video walkthrough of Madden Wii[Thanks, Sam]
An absolutely mammoth Madden interview [update 1]
IGN's got the goods, folks: this seven-page interview reveals more about Madden Wii than every past publication on the game combined. The interview covers the exact passing controls, special moves with the Wiimote, defensive manuevers, graphical capabilities, the kicking game...it's quite a read. Of note is that the Wii version won't be "dumbed down" as the initial 360 version was; it contains every single mode and feature that long-time fans of the franchise have come to expect. It also contains some new features, such as the "two-on-two" minigame, which re-enacts the classic quarterback/receiver vs. rusher/safety playground game complete with "Mississippi" counting. It truly is a goldmine of information on the game, and the interviewee is extremely candid on most everything...except, strangely enough, online play. He absolutely refused to speak a word about it. Hmmmm.[Update 1: Fixed a small typo.]
Hockey showdown brings back the memories
The current hockey demo showdown (NHL 07 vs NHL 2K7) on XBLM is bringing back fond memories of EA vs. 2K rivalries of yore. For many grid iron gamers, that old football favorite, ESPN NFL 2K5 for Xbox, still compares favorably with the latest Madden in several respects, especially presentation (Half-time highlights with Chris Berman!). Would Madden 07 really be a better game if EA didn't have a monopoly over the NFL license? How do you think the NFL 2K series would have developed given the chance?
Like it or not, Madden continues to be a cash cow
Electronic Arts has released estimates that show its yearly updated franchise, Madden, has just reached a new high: two million copies sold in the first week. EA says this is a record for a franchise that has been chugging along for 17 years now. A PR mouthpiece had this to say about the results:"Consumers are the most meaningful judge of game quality and based on sales and the record-setting online activity, our toughest critics think Madden NFL has delivered another great game experience."We guess it pays to be the only NFL game in town. For those of you that bought it, is Madden NFL 07 the best Madden ever?
Lengthy Madden 2007 video
Clocking in at over nine minutes, this video from the LGC shows a rather extensive runthrough of the Wii build of Madden from some geek at EA Canada. Seriously. We could totally rock that guy. Most of the essential mechanics are demoed, so if anything is going to convince you to buy this game, this is it. Apparently we now like to embed videos after the break, so view to your heart's content upon clicking the link.
Fence sitters take note, Madden 07 demo
If you're still not sure whether you need Madden 07 -- or if you've already bought the game and can't decide whether or not to open it -- the new demo on Marketplace should help you make up your mind. Go give it a shot and figure out if you really need a working fatigue meter anyway.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
Madden 07 for $47.99
CircuitCity.com is letting Madden 07 go for $47.99. If only they'd throw in a jockstrap.[Thanks Corey]
Madden: The Delaware Connection
Ok, so nobody outside of my oft-ignored home state cares about this, but local Delaware band OmniSoul made the soundtrack for Madden '07 with their stadium-friendly track, "Not Giving Up." Just another notch on the First State's belt next to scrapple, Ryan Phillipe and tax free shopping.
